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How to Find Dietetic Preceptors for Distance Programs

How to Find Dietetic Preceptors for Distance Programs

Distant Dietetic Internship Programs are increasing in popularity. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there are 35 schools now offering distant learning. Most of the time, students are required to find their own preceptors for the different rotations. Some schools have established relationships with preceptors and will offer referrals. However, the students are still requested to secure the rotation. To optimize your time, effort, and success during your internship, here are tips on How to Find Dietetic Preceptors straight from Dietetic Internship Directors themselves.

  1. Talk to Your Program Director First. “Contact the program director at the distance program and ask for a list of sites/preceptors they have already used in the past. The preceptors on the list know the schools and like working with their interns. The sites and preceptors are almost always happy to hear from potential interns,” informs Patti Landers, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND, Program Director, Keith & Associates Distance Dietetic Internship.
  2. Build Relationships Now. “Start building professional relationships early and when it comes time to find a preceptor, work your existing network. If you’ve worked or volunteered in the field, the nutrition professionals you know from these positions are often your best resource for lining up rotations - either by hosting you themselves and/or connecting you with someone who can,” advises Kati Fosselius, MS, RDN, Dietetic Internship Director at Cal Poly.
  3. Reach Out to Former Students. “Take advantage of tapping your network of former students from your didactic program in dietetics (DPD) who have had successful experiences with distance preceptors. Their recommendation can help open doors,” guides Nadine Braunstein, PhD, RD, FAND, Assistant Professor and Dietetic Internship Director at California State University, Sacramento.
  4. Get Involved Locally to Network. “Get involved with your district dietetic association as often the leaders are happy to help or can direct you to one of their friends,” suggests Braunstein. Fosselius agrees and notes that local dietetic associations and alumni/faculty from the DPD can be invaluable resources in the networking process to secure preceptors.
  5. Do Your Research. “Reach out to potential preceptors after first doing your homework and getting to know what the site has to offer – and how your skills and professional goals are a good match. Many sites are getting requests from more prospective interns than they can possibly accommodate, and you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons. If you make the approach too casual (informal language in an email, arriving for a meeting in less than professional dress or without a resume), you’re likely to miss out on a great opportunity,” instructs Fosselius.
  6. Maintain Motivation. “Do not give up! You may have to contact 10 or more preceptors to get one yes. If possible, make an appointment to go into the facility to meet with the preceptor. Do not just depend on email; always follow-up with a phone call,” recommends Landers.
  7. Be Professional. “Always be kind and respectful and avoid nagging or begging. The people you are reaching out to as a potential preceptor receive multiple requests every week. Remember, you want to stay on good terms with people as you may apply there for a position in the future and they will remember their interaction with you. You only have one chance to make a first impression,” advocates Braunstein.

The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics also has a Find-a-Preceptor Database.

For more tips on everything you need to know about Dietetic Internships, check out our blog including post:

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of MIJA, a superfood supplement company, and Haumea Health, a fertility wellness clinic. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.

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